37: 37 losing the principal
37: 37 losing the principal
By the time the sky had completely darkened, Su Lao Guai returned home.
As soon as he arrived, he smelled the fragrance of the food.
He settled down at the square table and squinted his eyes as he looked at the three dishes on the table.
“You’re back, let’s eat,” He Ximei said, wiping her hands with her apron.
“The meat was bought by Xiaofeng; she got quite a bit.”
After her bath, Su Xiaofeng came out just in time to see Su Lao Guai.
She thought to call out to him but found it awkward, so she didn’t say anything and started setting out bowls across from Su Lao Guai.
Su Lao Guai glanced at Su Xiaofeng and asked in a husky voice, “I heard you went to the county town today.”
Luo Yuzhu saw Su Wu’s mother, and Luo Yuzhu told her that Xiaofeng was going to the county with her.
“Went there and back.
The other party lost interest when they heard I was pregnant,” Su Xiaofeng said quietly.
Her feelings towards Su Lao Guai were complicated.
“So, you really plan to keep it.” Su Lao Guai took out a packet of tobacco from his body and began rolling a cigarette with a piece of paper.
With a click, Su Lao Guai exhaled a cloud of smoke, “If you’re set on keeping the baby, I won’t say anything else in the future.
However, if you hear any harsh words, just don’t take them to heart.”
He didn’t agree with Su Xiaofeng keeping the child; he had fought and scolded about it, but if she wanted to keep it, it was up to her.
The days ahead were hers alone, whether they were good or bad, she had to rely on herself.
“I understand,” Su Xiaofeng grasped the subtext in Su Lao Guai’s words.
“Dad, don’t worry, both the child and I will be alright.”
Her nose tingled as she spoke, knowing that whatever happened, since she had taken over everything from the original owner, she naturally had to ensure her and her child’s wellbeing.
“It’s fine, if Xiaofeng gives birth, I’ll help her take care of the baby; it’s not too difficult.
As for the gossip from the outside, who cares about it?” He Ximei came out with a smile, holding the bone soup.
“Xiaofeng, I was wrong to have previously thought of having you swap brides for Pengzi.
Our family is just too poor, which is why finding a wife for Pengzi has been so difficult.”
Su Xiaofeng looked at the soup she brought to the table, waiting for her to continue.
“I’ve heard a lot of people go to the coastal areas to work.
Once you have the baby, I’ll take care of it for you, and you can go out and see the world, right?” she implied that once the baby was born, Xiaofeng could go out to work.
“Let’s talk about that later.” Su Lao Guai only had one daughter, Xiaofeng, and really didn’t want her to go too far away.
“I’ll find a way with the matter of Pengzi getting a wife.”
When He Ximei heard Su Lao Guai’s words, she stayed silent.
She didn’t necessarily want to do anything to Su Xiaofeng; it was just that Pengzi’s marriage was a constant worry for her until it was settled.
“I have to go to town again tomorrow,” Su Xiaofeng scooped a bowl of soup.
The radish was sweet and tender, which, with the ribs, made the soup delicious.
Su Lao Guai glanced at her and stuffed a piece of meat into his mouth.
“I’ve gathered some peaches and plan to sell them in town tomorrow.”
“Peaches?” Su Lao Guai paused with his chopsticks.
“That’s not a money-making item.”
Peaches and the like are the least valuable in the countryside.
You saw it at the market today; there were peaches everywhere and nobody wanted them,” He Ximei said in alarm upon hearing Su Xiaofeng intended to sell peaches.
Was Xiaofeng alright, trying to do business like others, thinking of selling peaches, of all things?
“I thought it looked promising, so I got the idea,” said Su Xiaofeng, not wanting to explain further.
“Let Pengzi go with you; he’s strong and can help you hold down the fort,” Su Lao Guai acquiesced to Su Xiaofeng learning to do business.
“Old Guai, this business might end up at a loss.” Peaches spoil easily and are not valuable.
It would be fine if Xiaofeng learned some other business, but these peaches…
“Did you give her any capital?” Su Lao Guai asked gruffly.
“No, she didn’t,” He Ximei said as she served a bowl of rice to herself.
“Am I not just worried?”
It’s good for her to know that business isn’t easy.”